Arturia AudioFuse X8 OUT: Expanding Outputs with Modular-Ready Precision

3. July 2024

MILES

Arturia AudioFuse X8 OUT: Expanding Outputs with Modular-Ready Precision

Arturia steps into the ADAT expander arena with the AudioFuse X8 OUT, a compact unit designed for those who crave more outputs and crave them with quality. In their official video, Arturia walks us through how this half-rack, 1U expander can transform your studio setup, especially if you’re juggling modular synths, outboard gear, or multi-monitor configurations. With DC-coupled outputs and robust connectivity, the X8 OUT isn’t just about adding more jacks—it’s about integrating your modular and digital worlds with minimal fuss. Let’s see how Arturia’s engineering stacks up for the voltage-obsessed and patch-happy among us.

Meet the X8 OUT: More Outputs, More Options

Arturia’s AudioFuse X8 OUT enters the fray as an ADAT expander, purpose-built to add eight high-quality analog outputs to your studio arsenal. The video opens with a clear pitch: if your audio interface has ADAT connectors, the X8 OUT can instantly boost your output count, making it a practical solution for those who find themselves running out of channels mid-session. Its half-rack, 1U form factor is designed to slot neatly alongside the AudioFuse X8, together forming a standard 19-inch rack unit—ideal for those who like their gear tidy and their signal flow even tidier.


DC-Coupled Outputs: Modular-Ready and Studio-Grade

One of the headline features here is the set of eight line-level analog outputs, and Arturia doesn’t skimp on the specs. These outputs are DC coupled, which is a nod to modular synth users who need to send control voltages as well as audio. This opens up direct integration with Eurorack systems—no need for extra interfaces or awkward workarounds.

Arturia claims these outputs match the quality of their AudioFuse Studio range, boasting a frequency response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, a dynamic range of 120 dB, and a THD+N figure of -106 dB. The outputs are symmetrical, with a DC voltage swing of +/-8.7 volts, making them suitable for both audio and CV duties in a hybrid setup.

It's worth noting that these are DC coupled, which means that you can use them to output your signal to modular synthesizers.

"It's worth noting that these are DC coupled, which means that you can use them to output your signal to modular synthesizers."

© Screenshot/Quote: Arturiaofficial (YouTube)

ADAT Integration: Double Optical, Double the Flexibility

You can send up to 8 channels via the ADAT1 output if X8 is set to 48 kHz sample rate.

"You can send up to 8 channels via the ADAT1 output if X8 is set to 48 kHz sample rate."

© Screenshot/Quote: Arturiaofficial (YouTube)

Connectivity is handled via double ADAT optical inputs, using Toast Link connectors. This means you can pipe up to eight channels of audio from your interface at standard sample rates, or split them across two ADAT streams at higher rates. At 48 kHz, all eight channels travel down ADAT1, but if you bump up to 98 kHz, you’ll need both ADAT1 and ADAT2—channels 1–4 on one, 5–8 on the other.

Sync is always maintained with the chosen mode, selectable from the front panel. This ensures that your expanded outputs stay locked to your main system, whether you’re running a simple setup or something more elaborate with multiple digital devices.

Word Clock: Keeping Everything in Time

For those who’ve experienced the joys of digital audio glitches, the X8 OUT’s word clock input is a welcome addition. Using a male BNC connector, the unit can sync to an external clock, helping to avoid latency, clicks, or other digital nasties when chaining multiple devices. The impedance can be set to 75 Ohms or Hi-Z from the rear panel, with the 75 Ohms setting reserved for when the unit is last in the word clock chain.

The front panel offers a sync selection button, letting you choose between word clock, ADAT, and ADAT Smux modes. Smux can be engaged automatically if the incoming ADAT data signals it, or manually by holding the sync button—a detail that modular tinkerers and studio engineers alike will appreciate for its flexibility.

It allows you to avoid latency of audio or audio glitches and clicks occurring while the signal is converted from analog to digital and…

"It allows you to avoid latency of audio or audio glitches and clicks occurring while the signal is converted from analog to digital and flows between instrument, expander and the interface."

© Screenshot/Quote: Arturiaofficial (YouTube)

Compact and Rack-Ready: Designed for Real-World Rigs

Physically, the X8 OUT keeps things streamlined with its 1U height and half-rack width. Combine it with the X8 IN and you’ve got a full 19-inch rack unit, complete with all the necessary rack ears and joining parts included in the box. This makes it a straightforward fit for expanding complex setups, whether you’re routing signals to a modular wall, a bank of outboard processors, or simply adding more monitor pairs for mixing. Arturia’s approach here is practical: more outputs, minimal fuss, and a form factor that plays nicely with the rest of your studio hardware.


This article is also available in German. Read it here: https://synthmagazin.at/arturia-audiofuse-x8-out-mehr-ausgaenge-modularfreundlich-und-praezise/
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